Street Legal Golf Carts in Tennessee

Are golf carts street legal in Tennessee?

Street-legal (LSV) status

Recognized

Allowed on roads up to

35 mph

Driver's license

Required

Registration

Required

Insurance

Required

Tennessee (TCA 55-8-191, per Dept. of Revenue Notice #08-20) allows low-speed vehicles - four-wheeled electric or gas vehicles with a top speed over 20 but not over 25 mph meeting 49 CFR 571.500 - to be titled and registered and operated only on roads posted 35 mph or less (crossing higher-speed roads is permitted); the operator must carry a Class D driver license. Traditional golf carts (TCA 55-1-123, top speed 20 mph or less) may not be titled or registered for road use unless modified to meet all LSV/medium-speed requirements and federal safety standards. Verify with the Tennessee DMV (Dept. of Revenue / county clerk).

This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice — golf-cart and LSV rules change and vary by city and county. Confirm the current requirements with the Tennessee DMV before you buy or drive. What makes a golf cart street legal.

Sources: TN Dept. of Revenue Notice #08-20, Low Speed Vehicles (official) · Reviewed August 2026